ANGOLA, Ind. (WLKI)- With the November election approaching, Steuben County officials are planning a public forum on the proposed northeast Indiana casino referendum.
Voters in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will decide November 3 whether to permit inland casino gambling in their respective counties.
The ballot question asks voters whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in their county. Under state law passed earlier this year, if voters approve the measure in more than one county, casino operators could submit bids to the Indiana Gaming Commission. The commission would award one license.
The Steuben County Board of Commissioners, along with the county's tourism bureau and economic development corporation, will host a public question-and-answer session from 6 to 8 p.m. October 8 at the Steuben County Event Center at Crooked Lake.
Organizers are accepting questions ahead of the event at info@steubenfunwins.com.
The forum comes as casino advocates in Steuben and Allen counties make competing arguments about where a potential resort casino would be most successful.
Promoters of the proposed Freedom Bay Resort Casino in Steuben County say a location near the Indiana Toll Road could attract visitors from Michigan and Ohio. Their campaign argues the county's existing lakes and recreational attractions could support a regional entertainment destination.
Supporters of a casino in Allen County point to Fort Wayne's larger population, existing attractions and entertainment infrastructure. Steve Corona, a spokesperson for the Advance Fort Wayne Allen County political action committee, said casino operators would ultimately make the final decision if multiple counties approve the referendum.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker's administration has expressed support for a casino, citing potential economic development, jobs, tourism and new revenue as the city faces uncertainty related to property-tax reforms.
Opponents, including the Coalition for a Better Indiana, say the public should also consider potential social costs. The group has scheduled community discussions in Allen County ahead of Election Day.
No casino site has been publicly announced in Fort Wayne or Allen County.